Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Choline transporter-like protein 5 (SLC44A5)
- Target
- SLC44A5
- Molecular classification
- Transporter, Solute carrier (SLC) family, Intermediate-affinity choline transporter-like protein
01
Overview
Choline transporter-like protein 5 (SLC44A5) is a member of the solute carrier (SLC) 44 family, functioning as an intermediate-affinity transporter involved in the regulation of choline efflux from cells. While its full physiological role remains incompletely defined, SLC44A5 influences cellular choline levels—an essential precursor for phospholipid synthesis and acetylcholine production. Knockdown studies suggest it promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in certain human cancer cells, with altered expression associated with tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. In cattle, genetic variants in SLC44A5 affect birth weight by modulating gene expression and may serve as targets for breeding strategies to reduce dystocia. While related family members have defined roles in choline uptake, SLC44A5 appears to primarily regulate choline efflux, highlighting its unique function among choline transporters.
- Other names
- Choline transporter-like protein 5SLC44A5CTL5MGC34032Solute carrier family 44 member 5
02
Mechanism of action
Not well characterized for drugs specifically targeting SLC44A5; knockdown or inhibition results in arrest of cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in some cancer cells
03
Biological functions
Choline efflux/transport regulationCell proliferation regulationModulation of apoptosisPotential roles in fetal growth and birth weight determination (cattle)
04
Disease associations
Cancer (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, possibly other cancers)Potential in neurodevelopment (expression in brain/spinal cord and association with choline homeostasis)Other (birth weight regulation in cattle, possible obstetric complications)
05
Safety considerations
Insufficient knowledge for selective targeting in humans; broader effects on choline homeostasis could impact cell membrane integrity and neurotransmissionPotential risk of affecting fetal or neonatal development via altered choline metabolism
06
Interacting drugs
None specifically identified in available sources for SLC44A5; no known selective inhibitors or modulators currently in clinical use
07
Biomarkers
Expression level of SLC44A5 in tumor tissue (e.g., elevated in some hepatocellular carcinoma)Polymorphisms in SLC44A5 (e.g., 5′ UTR variant correlated with birth weight in cattle)
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Choline transporter-like protein 5 (SLC44A5).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Choline transporter-like protein 5 (SLC44A5).